Question:

For starters, I have to brag that my youngest ties a darned good GRW. Everytime I sit down to tie, she wants to tie with me, and when I have the time & patience, I teach her a few things at the vise.   Sitting on the porch at Moosehead, she got to the point that she could tie a #16 bead head GRW all by herself & have it look as good as mine (faint praise, indeed <g).   I was taking the entire family fishing at the East Outlet that afternoon, and I kept hers segregated because she wanted to catch a fish on one of her own flies.   She’s going to be a helluva fisherman one day. I knew full well that taking three novices fly fishing on a big river was going to be a lot of work, and I began rigging the rods back at the cabin. Between the rods I’ve built for them and my own stuff, I had enough to put together a 4wt. & two 5wt. outfits; and I knew I wouldn’t need a fourth for myself.   By the third outfit, I was getting too mechanical, & tied the fly on the tippet before I tied the tippet on the leader.   Shit.  So I gently held the fly in my lips while I felt for the end of the leader.   Murphy’s Law struck, of course.  I don’t remember exactly the sequence of events; but the tippet tightened, and before I felt the pain, I had a #16 GRW firmly embedded in my bottom lip.   Well, that was stupid.   Fortunately, it was small enough that blood & pain were minimal on its extraction. Reaching the river, I set my three sports out on decent looking runs north of the highway, explained the concept of the strike indicator, then spent the next half hour running among them, helping them cast, untying tangles, unhooking snags, tying on new flies, etc.   SWMBO and the youngest were using her self-tied flies, hoping for success.   It was SWMBO who struck first, hooking a nice little landlock, which she reeled in & lifted with her rod, before it released itself.   A cool moment for both SWMBO & my little fly tyer. #1 son never got the timing down, & after his second god-awful tangle, lost interest after an hour.   The day was fading, & there were starting to be a few caddis along the shoreline.   A couple days before, I’d tried my hand at tying a Goddard Caddis, so I took one out of my box & tied it on.   What the hell.   A short drift along a nearby seam, & I had a fish on.  Cool for me. I’ve tied a few flies & caught more than a few fish on my own flies, but this was amazingly the first fish I’d caught on a dry fly I’d tied.   SWMBO wanted a Kodak moment; but out of habit, I grabbed the fly before I grabbed the fish, & it was gone that quickly. Climbed out of the river, & got back to the cabin, where youngest wanted to tie some more flies. Joe F. p.s. Dave, both kids thought you were pretty cool. <g

Response:

Joe F.: <great report snipped p.s. Dave, both kids thought you were pretty cool. <g

<G  Thanks.  We talked aboug Peach all the way home that night.  You are a lucky man, Joe.  Wonderful family. Dave

Response:

For starters, . . .

<snip Nice report, Joe. Cheers to SWMBO! It’s too bad about #1 son — I know the feeling. My youngest (nineteen yrs) got frustrated and bored early in the season and now I’m having one hell of a time bringing him back. I think maybe a canoe or boat trip might be in order. . . — TL, Tim

Response:

Climbed out of the river, & got back to the cabin, where youngest wanted to tie some more flies. Joe F. p.s. Dave, both kids thought you were pretty cool. <g

ya but what do kids know, eh?  <G very nice TR, BTW.  catching a fish on your own fly is always a special thrill – watching mom catch one with it would be just as good. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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Question:

I know exactly how you feel, I do this to my husband, and then I feel awful. We will go out and have a nice evening, and if I eat too much, I get angry and take it out on him.  (Although he is usually the one who orders the extra food, and when it’s in front of me, I don’t have that much willpower.) But he realizes that I do not mean what I say, and that I love him.  I think that because we are so close and comfortable with our SO we tend to go off on them more easily than we would someone else, or even ourselves, when it is really ourselves we are angry with.  I’m sure he loves you and will forgive you.  I try to not react so strongly and to hold back a little more now.  It doesn’t always work, but most times it does.  I take a second and think to myself, it’s really me I’m angry with, why should he pay.  I know you can’t see him soon, but maybe  you could send him a nice card, and write your feelings in that.  Good luck. —           -Ren

Question:

I’m planning a 9 day flyfishing trip to the northern Calif area and plan to visit areas like  Hat Creek, McCloud, Truckee, Owens, etc. When would be the best time to do this between early August and October? Thanks.

Response:

Skiroc,    Any time after school starts. Ernie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m planning a 9 day flyfishing trip to the northern Calif area and plan to visit areas like  Hat Creek, McCloud, Truckee, Owens, etc. When would be the best time to do this between early August and October? Thanks.

Response:

To minimize backroad travel. I would checkout deer hunting seasons on the places you are going. FWIW, if you are going to fish Hat Creek, and maybe wonder on East and fish Fall River, then I suggest you head on East to Alturas in California’s most Northeast county then go South on 395 to Likely California and go East into the Warner Mountains Wilderness area.  They have a Red Band strain of the McCloud Rainbow that is truly a magnificent fish to catch and release. There are a number of lakes and streams in the area that are an easy hike in with float tube.  Due to the sensitive nature of the habitat of these very special animals, this is all of the info I’ll post but for more info e-mail me. Compared to the hordes of folk at Hat Creek, Truckee and Walker, this area will knock your socks off at the lack of people.  I think Alturas, the county seat of Lompoc county has, uh 3 stoplights?  This beautiful part of the West (NW Nevada, SCentral Oregon NE California) is remote 4×4, tent camping off the road fishing on small high mountain streams and high country lakes. Unlike those other places, when the jokers run out of Powerbait here, there aint no 7/11 nearby! Enjoy! John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m planning a 9 day flyfishing trip to the northern Calif area and plan to visit areas like  Hat Creek, McCloud, Truckee, Owens, etc. When would be the best time to do this between early August and October? Thanks.

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Question:

I am planning to travel  to Tasmania from Melbourne for  5 to 6 days. I am thinking to travel by ship (Spirit of Tasmania ?) and then rent a car to drive around the National Park (Cradle Mountains). These ideas are gleaned from some travel brochures. Appreciate advice to modify my plans and also suggestions as to where to visit and where to stay.  Thanks in advance.

Response:

I am planning to travel  to Tasmania from Melbourne for  5 to 6 days.

No! Go for longer! Tasmania is great! I am thinking to travel by ship (Spirit of Tasmania ?) and then rent a car to drive around the National Park (Cradle Mountains). These ideas are gleaned from some travel brochures.

You can also fly various routes, and the difference in price (particularly if you book 1 month in advance) is small. If you’re after cheap car rental with something different, Rent a Bug in Devonport are quite good (well they were with me anyway) where you get a VW Beetle! Cradle Mountain is definitely worth a visit, and stay there a few days if you like walking. Other "top" places I liked were Freyincet Peninsula, Hobart, Strahan (top fishing!), and the very windy bit down the bottom who’s name escapes me. The hostels in Tassie are generally good. hwyl! geraint.

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I saw this post and it reminded me of my dad’s "proud papa" moment.  He took me out flyfishing (he let me hold the rod anyway) when I was about three year of age.  A small Rainbow trout happened to hit the gray hackle yellow body that was being used.  And, I landed my first fish on a fly.  My dad made such a big deal out of it that I just knew that fish was a treasure to be kept.  He could not talk me into releasing it.  So, I took it home with me and much to the chagrin of my mother, dad allowed me to go to bed that night with fish in hand.  I’ve been flyfishing with my dad ever since and he’s now in his 80’s. Barry My little boy, who turned 4 on Sunday, caught his FIRST fish today!!! (ok, it was with a worm)  It was a 10" Brown trout and you’ve never seen a little boy so happy and proud in your life. Just thought I’d share a "proud papa" moment. Wes        i know it is one hell of a judgment call, but i think that the experience related in wes’s post is more important than the life of that single fish.

        somewhere in the acceptance of that concept lies the middle ground for all our discontent that flows from the c&k/c&r confrontations.         a. wayne harrison – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I saw this post and it reminded me of my dad’s "proud papa" moment.  He took me out flyfishing (he let me hold the rod anyway) when I was about three year of age.  A small Rainbow trout happened to hit the gray hackle yellow body that was being used.  And, I landed my first fish on a fly.  My dad made such a big deal out of it that I just knew that fish was a treasure to be kept.  He could not talk me into releasing it.  So, I took it home with me and much to the chagrin of my mother, dad allowed me to go to bed that night with fish in hand.  I’ve been flyfishing with my dad ever since and he’s now in his 80’s. Barry      i know it is one hell of a judgment call, but i think that the experience related in wes’s post is more important than the life of that single fish.         somewhere in the acceptance of that concept lies the middle ground for all our discontent that flows from the c&k/c&r confrontations.         a. wayne harrison

Jeeezz, Wayne, let’s not turn the great "Proud Papa" thread into another c&k/c&r debacle.  Mark Faulkner

Response:

says… My little boy, who turned 4 on Sunday, caught his FIRST fish today!!! (ok, it was with a worm)  It was a 10" Brown trout and you’ve never seen a little boy so happy and proud in your life. Just thought I’d share a "proud papa" moment. Wes

cool…

Response:

I saw this post and it reminded me of my dad’s "proud papa" moment.  He took me out flyfishing (he let me hold the rod anyway) when I was about three year of age.  A small Rainbow trout happened to hit the gray hackle yellow body that was being used.  And, I landed my first fish on a fly.  My dad made such a big deal out of it that I just knew that fish was a treasure to be kept.  He could not talk me into releasing it.  So, I took it home with me and much to the chagrin of my mother, dad allowed me to go to bed that night with fish in hand.  I’ve been flyfishing with my dad ever since and he’s now in his 80’s. Barry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My little boy, who turned 4 on Sunday, caught his FIRST fish today!!! (ok, it was with a worm)  It was a 10" Brown trout and you’ve never seen a little boy so happy and proud in your life. Just thought I’d share a "proud papa" moment. Wes

Response:

My little boy, who turned 4 on Sunday, caught his FIRST fish today!!! (ok, it was with a worm)  It was a 10" Brown trout and you’ve never seen a little boy so happy and proud in your life. Just thought I’d share a "proud papa" moment. Wes

Response:

My little boy, who turned 4 on Sunday, caught his FIRST fish today!!! (ok, it was with a worm)  It was a 10" Brown trout and you’ve never seen a little boy so happy and proud in your life. Just thought I’d share a "proud papa" moment. Wes    that’s great, wes, worm or no worm.  i just hope he didn’t release the fish and eat the bait.

        a. wayne harrison

Response:

My little boy, who turned 4 on Sunday, caught his FIRST fish today!!! (ok, it was with a worm)  It was a 10" Brown trout and you’ve never seen a little boy so happy and proud in your life. Just thought I’d share a "proud papa" moment. Wes

Congratulations, and thanks for sharing the momemnt. Mark Faulkner

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Question:

I’m getting back into flyfishing after several years and i need a new rod/reel/line outfit.  I’ve seen several nice ones around but can’t really decide which weight i should go for.  I’m considering a #6 or #7 weight rod – but i haven’t ruled out a #5 or #8 weight either.  I fish mostly for trout and panfish, w/ a few occasional largemouth and smallmouth bass and small pickerel.  I would like an outfit w/ as much versitility as possible for small to medium-sized fish.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanx.                                                -Zimmy

Response:

I’m primarily a warmwater ff and have always used an 8 wt.  Recently I picked up a 6 wt. fast action rod and have really enjoyed it for bass and panfish.  I think that the faster action allows it to cast larger flies well, yet, it is still fun with small 12" bass. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m getting back into flyfishing after several years and i need a new rod/reel/line outfit.  I’ve seen several nice ones around but can’t really decide which weight i should go for.  I’m considering a #6 or #7 weight rod – but i haven’t ruled out a #5 or #8 weight either.  I fish mostly for trout and panfish, w/ a few occasional largemouth and smallmouth bass and small pickerel. I would like an outfit w/ as much versitility as possible for small to medium-sized fish.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanx.                                               -Zimmy

Response:

I’m getting back into flyfishing after several years and i need a new rod/reel/line outfit.  I’ve seen several nice ones around but can’t really decide which weight i should go for.  I’m considering a #6 or #7 weight rod – but i haven’t ruled out a #5 or #8 weight either.  I fish mostly for trout and panfish, w/ a few occasional largemouth and smallmouth bass and small pickerel.  I would like an outfit w/ as much versitility as possible for small to medium-sized fish.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanx.

Be guided by fly size.  If your typical day was spent using only flies #16 and smaller you would want a 5 weight outfit (or 6 or 4).  If the typical day was spent casting one-inch poppers or streamers for bass you’d want a 7 weight or 8.  You can cast bigger flies on a lighter outfit, and you can cast smaller than #16s on a 7 weight or heavier outfit, but you would probably not enjoy it after an hour or so. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

I use a Sage 5wt overlined with 6wt line.  It is a tip-flex rod and it has a very fast action which does a good job casting flies as small as size 12 dries to 1/0 deer hair poppers.  It has enough backbone to fight big largemouths and is sensitive enough to make moderate sized panfish a blast to catch.  No, it’s not the perfect rod for every situation, but as an all-around warm-water rod, I couldn’t want for much more.  I still would like a 2 or 3wt for small panfish and a 9wt for saltwater. HTH, Clark – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m getting back into flyfishing after several years and i need a new rod/reel/line outfit.  I’ve seen several nice ones around but can’t really decide which weight i should go for.  I’m considering a #6 or #7 weight rod – but i haven’t ruled out a #5 or #8 weight either.  I fish mostly for trout and panfish, w/ a few occasional largemouth and smallmouth bass and small pickerel. I would like an outfit w/ as much versitility as possible for small to medium-sized fish.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanx.                                               -Zimmy

Response:

(Donald Phillipson) writes:

*SNIP* I fish mostly for trout and panfish, w/ a few occasional largemouth and smallmouth bass and small pickerel.  I would like an outfit w/ as much versitility as possible for small to medium-sized fish.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanx. Be guided by fly size.  If your typical day was spent using only flies #16 and smaller you would want a 5 weight outfit (or 6 or 4).  If the typical day was spent casting one-inch poppers or streamers for bass you’d want a 7 weight or 8.  You can cast bigger flies on a lighter outfit, and you can cast smaller than #16s on a 7 weight or heavier outfit, but you would probably not enjoy it after an hour or so.

Don’s advice is right on the money.  Presuming you use a forearm-based casting stroke, sounds like a fast action 6wt. (such as the Orvis TL 906 – Silver Label or Trident version) would do the trick.  If you expect to through lots of #2 deer hair bugs, go ahead and stick a 7wt. line on that fast action 6.  The rod will handle it just fine and the 7wt. line pulls big bugs through the air better than the 6.  If you didn’t need to throw the big bugs for largemouth bass, a 5 wt would do fine.  So, like Don says, let your fly size be your guide. I have a line-weight/fly size/quarry table (my personal opinions) set up on my web-site that you might want to glance at.  Go to "http://www.thegrid.net/flyfish/LineSpec.html" and click on the hyperlink to "Line Weight ‘Recommended Uses’ Chart".  You might find it useful in making your decision.                                        Good Fishing,                                             Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools Mt. Shasta Fly Fishing Schools http://www.thegrid.net/flyfish

Response:

I have a pfluger summit 6W and I use it for every kind of fish, from 15 inch trout to 20 pound red salmon on the keni river. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m getting back into flyfishing after several years and i need a new rod/reel/line outfit.  I’ve seen several nice ones around but can’t really decide which weight i should go for.  I’m considering a #6 or #7 weight rod – but i haven’t ruled out a #5 or #8 weight either.  I fish mostly for trout and panfish, w/ a few occasional largemouth and smallmouth bass and small pickerel.  I would like an outfit w/ as much versitility as possible for small to medium-sized fish.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanx.                                                -Zimmy

Response:

If you are just getting back into flyfishing and you fished with lower modulus graphite or even fiberglass in the past, be very careful with the new tip flex type rods that some have recommended.  A 5 weight is a good all around rod, and as one wrote, 6 wt line will help the rod load better with larger flies.  I would consider a good mid flex or even a powerful full flex rod to get back in the swing of things.  Either way, make sure you cast it first.  Any good dealer will insist you cast it prior to buying it.  Good luck. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m getting back into flyfishing after several years and i need a new rod/reel/line outfit.  I’ve seen several nice ones around but can’t really decide which weight i should go for.  I’m considering a #6 or #7 weight rod – but i haven’t ruled out a #5 or #8 weight either.  I fish mostly for trout and panfish, w/ a few occasional largemouth and smallmouth bass and small pickerel. I would like an outfit w/ as much versitility as possible for small to medium-sized fish.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanx.                                               -Zimmy

Response:

Question:

     I have been fishing for about fourteen years now, since I was about three.  However, the fishing I have done has been either spinning or baitcasting for various types of fish in mostly still bodies of water, or small rivers.  I recently had the opportunity to try my hand at flyfishing for trout, something which had been somewhat frightened of due to its seemingly immense complexity. Since then, it has occured to me that there was a lot that I was limiting myself from flyfishing.  The result, I am interested in starting a.s.a.p.  I realize that there is a lot to learn, and that it may take a very long time to master, but i have plenty of time ahead of me and am quite eager to learn.      First, though, it seems to me that I should first purchase a rod and a reel.  This is where my first discrepancy arises.  Being that I am new to the sport, I am unsure as to what I should purchase.  i would be using the setup mainly for bass and trout, though primarily for bass due to the limited amount of good long-term trout waters in my area.  For reference, that would be Cleveland, OH.  What weight setup should I get?  I was wondering if there is a good medium which would work well on smaller ohio bass (around two pounds, give or take) and trout, perhaps even small steelhead.  It seemed that a seven weight might be adequate.      Anyhow, I am looking to spend around 200 dollars for a decent setup.  Now for my second question.  How should I set up my line?  From what I have gathered, it seems that it would be best to use either a weight forward or bass bug taper.  However, I am unsure as far as a leader and tippet goes.  It seems as if it might be best to get a couple of sizes, depending on the situation. What are your suggestions?      To sum up a rather lengthy post, I need to know what sort of setup to purchase, and what sort of leaders and tippets to employ.  All suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance Ron. By the way, please mail responses directly to my.

Response:

i would be using the setup mainly for bass and trout, though primarily for bass due to the limited amount of good long-term trout waters in my area.  For reference, that would be Cleveland, OH.  What weight setup should I get?

I would suggest a seven weight rod, with a double taper  flyline. A weight forward line would be fine as well. Anyhow, I am looking to spend around 200 dollars for a decent setup.

At that price, you’ll find a great flyfishing setup. Don’t spend too much more yet; you need practice, not fancy equipment. However, I am unsure as far as a leader and tippet goes.  It seems as if it might be best to get a couple of sizes, depending on the situation. What are your suggestions?

Stroll down to your local FFing shop and ask them what they’d suggest. They’ll have the skinny on the local conditions, and if you’re lucky, someone will take you under his wing. However, I am unsure as far as a leader and tippet goes. It seems situation. Best of luck! Frank Longtine                             the Second Amendment was not, and is not, about 1984 Ford F-150                                  hunting rights. It was, and is, about 1997 Rokon Trail Breaker                       tyrranical governments.

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Question:

I would like some information on how is the Chum salmon fishing in Hoodsport Washington. Do you have any tips. Is there any worth wile fishing nearby? I will be flyfishing on Oct. 28 & 29 . We may use our float tubes.

Response:

Yes they are running now.  If you do any good please tell.  Friends say green corkies + yarn work on them, and you can use your tube near the hatchery.  Cheers Paul.

Response:

I would like some information on how is the Chum salmon fishing in Hoodsport Washington. Do you have any tips. Is there any worth wile fishing nearby? I will be flyfishing on Oct. 28 & 29 . We may use our float tubes.

 Yes, chartreuse is the way to go.  I usually don’t fish Hoodsport, but I fish the rivers out that way <Satsop, Chehalis, Wynochee, Humptulips, etc. And I’ve been fishing them for last 15 years, and Green has always been the way to go.  Since you’ll be flyfishing, the green corky and chartreuse yarn is outta the question, just use about a long fly hook around size 2 to 4 that is tied with green, with usually a black tail and most use heavier silver bead eyes for attraction and weight.  I tie up some like that, and use the corky/yarn when I’m using my casting rods.  GOOD LUCK and I know the chum are running!

Response:

Question:

Could someone point me towards a Flyfishing Mailing List?  I nosed around this group looking for directions to a FAQ, thinking that would mention it, but haven’t managed to locate it either. Thanks in advance! Jack Gilbert

Response:

use no subject "subscribe Flyfish" (your real name, no quotes) that’s all there is to it. Enjoy!! Frank Church

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Question:

Does anyone have any information on the FF only area of the Big Bushkill Creek?  Specifically regarding getting a permit to fish the Ressica Falls Boy Scout area? Thanks Sam Stump

Response:

"Sam Stump" wrote… Does anyone have any information on the FF only area of the Big Bushkill Creek?  Specifically regarding getting a permit to fish the Ressica Falls Boy Scout area?

You can get the (cheap) permit at the office at Ressica Falls, or Cradle of Liberty Council Boy Scouts of America 1485 Valley Forge Road Wayne, PA  19087-1346 Well worth it: beautiful water, and very well stocked with big trout. Timothy Juvenal

Response:

A buddy and I are planning a first-time trip to the Big Bushkill near the Delaware Water Gap in Pennsylvania.  I’d appreciate any information re: conditions, whether this river fishes well in early April and flies to use. Thanks Michael

Michael, one of the best places to fish the Bushkill is at the Boy Scout reservation at Resaca Falls.  Take Rt. 80 to the Marshalls Creek exit (about a mile after the tolls at the Water Gap).  Take Rt. 209 north until the stop sign.  Make a right and then a left at the next light (Bait & Tackle shop on left, shopping mall on right).  Make a quick right onto Rt. 402 north and stay on that for about 6-7 miles until you reach the Boy Scout reservation.  It is a fly-fishing only area.  Streamers and nymphs will work the best in early April.  There is a good Hendrickson hatch in late April-early May, followed by March Browns.  Good luck!  

Response:

i grew up on that water, rally in my back yard near easton. Opening day and for a few weeks after that water is elbow to elbow. its been a while since i’ve gone back. i might take the drive this year though just to relive memories. Grant in PA good luck

Response:

A buddy and I are planning a first-time trip to the Big Bushkill near the Delaware Water Gap in Pennsylvania.  I’d appreciate any information re: conditions, whether this river fishes well in early April and flies to use. Thanks Michael

Response:

Good advise . Make sure to stop at the scout office before you fish. They are very nice people and are responsible for making this water available to us for fishing. The will also give you info as where to fish.                                       Good luck  

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